Leave the Magic spellbound

THEY were denied by some superb goalkeeping last NSW National Premier Leagues 3 round and this Saturday Western NSW Mariners FC have another strong stopper to overcome when they face Gladesville Ryde Magic FC at Proctor Park.

TIME TO FIGHT BACK: Western NSW Mariners FC captain Adam Scimone hopes his side can lift for Saturday's game against Gladesville Rydge Magic FC. Photo: PHIL BLATCH

Mariners are out to bounce back from a 3-1 loss to Hawkesbury City FC, where the Western men weren’t short on opportunities, but a strong Magic defensive unit must be overcome.

Leading that group is former Olympiakos FC goalkeeper Kiriakos Tohouroglou, who boasts experience in the UEFA Champions League.

Mariners captain Adam Scimone was one of the players denied by Hawkesbury’s goalkeeper Daniel Schwarzer last round.

He said this is a match the Mariners must find the back of the net as much as possible.

“Gladesville look like they’ll have a similar side from last year, with some players coming across from Stanmore Hawks into their defence. They’ve got a great goalkeeper as well,” he said.

“We can definitely get something out this game. We’ve beaten them at home a couple of times.

“I expect them to be very similar to Hawkesbury, trying to catch us out on the longer balls.

“We went on a bit of a roll there with our FFA Cup games. We just need to regroup.”

Match start is 7pm.

Mariners will have an FFA Cup meeting with NPL 1 side Rockdale City Suns to look forward to next week, and will aim to take some momentum into that clash with a win on Saturday.